Re: Is it helping? Celexa,Risperdal,Ativan...

Feeling at my wit's end, I called my dad's primary care doc. who recommended that we admit my dad to the "Senior Care Unit" (for age 65+ and a locked psychiatric wing) for evaluation by a psychiatrist from Columbus, a Dr. Hayden.

The "therapy" they are using requires my dad to wait "x" number of minutes before undertaking certain activities. For example, before he can brush his teeth, he must look at the toothbrush and toothpaste for five min. (then later will increase to 10 min.) before he may brush his teeth. He has a limited amount of time to complete his oral hygiene. Dr. Hayden explained to me that this therapy will gradually increase my father's anxiety so much that it will eventually erase from the other end the anxiety that causes him to engage in certain activities for hours on end. Is anyone familiar with this type therapy?

The new medications are: Celexa 20 mg every morning, Ativan 0.5 mg at bedtime, Risperdal 0.5 mg at bedtime. Anyone willing to venture an opinion on this combination?

Right now my dad is pretty depressed at being removed from his home and "locked up" where he is pretty bored. I asked him if he thought the therapy was helping (5th day), and he replied that it was not helping him but maybe it was helping my mother and me. Gosh, did I feel bad.

Just wanted to let you know what is happening, and hoping to hear from some of you.